Stroke Foundation awards $435,000 to drive next-generation stroke research across Australia
Stroke Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Research Grants Program, supporting eight researchers and their colleagues to undertake innovative research activity that aims to transform stroke treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and prevention across Australia.
A total of $434,898 has been awarded across this year’s Research Grants Program to researchers in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, with funding supporting a diverse range of initiatives. This year’s grants target innovative digital tools to strengthen stroke recovery, programs that empower survivors of stroke to take a greater role in self-directed rehabilitation, improvements to post-hospital medication adherence, advances in primary care for stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention, as well as conference, travel and knowledge-exchange bursaries to develop the next generation of stroke research leaders.
Stroke Foundation’s Executive Director Stroke Programs, Research and Innovation, Mr Kelvin Hill, congratulated the grant recipients and acknowledged the talent emerging across Australia.
“These grants support bold and innovative stroke research that has the potential to change lives,” Mr Hill said.
“Stroke is one of Australia’s leading causes of disability, and to confront the challenges it brings, we must continue backing researchers and innovators who are pushing boundaries and rethinking what recovery and prevention can look like.”
Mr Hill said Stroke Foundation’s research grants play a critical role not only in advancing new knowledge, but also in cultivating the next generation of stroke leaders.
“We are proud to support a diverse range of projects – from clinical trials and rehabilitation programs to prevention initiatives, new models of care and leadership development,” he said.
“Each project brings us closer to a future where every Australian has the best chance of prevention, treatment and ongoing recovery after stroke.”
Mr Hill thanked the donors, partners and community members whose contributions make these grants possible.
“Our supporters enable us to provide important research funding to accelerate discoveries that will shape tomorrow’s treatment options and recovery pathways,” he said. “Together, we are building a future where stroke survivors not only survive – but thrive.”
Profiles of the 2026 Stroke Foundation Research Grant Recipients are available here:
https://strokefoundation.org.au/2026-research-grants-recipients
2026 Stroke Foundation Research Grant Recipients
SEED GRANTS
- Dr Lilian Carvalho, Melbourne
Younger adults with stroke Taking Charge: a pilot randomised feasibility study to tailor the self-directed rehabilitation program ‘Take Charge’ to a younger chronic stroke population.
Dr Carvalho is a rehabilitation specialist exploring how self-directed programs can better support younger stroke survivors in rebuilding independence, confidence and identity.
- Dr Lachlan Dalli, Melbourne
Co-designing the Coordinated Medication Prescription and Adherence Support System (COMPASS) for survivors of stroke.
This project aims to improve medication management and long-term adherence – a critical component of secondary stroke prevention and reducing recurrent stroke risk.
- Ms Dina Pogrebnoy, Melbourne
A Phase 2a clinical trial testing the safety and promise of efficacy of digital resources to improve functional outcomes in priority populations undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after stroke.
The study will explore whether digital tools can improve access, equity and recovery outcomes for priority patient groups.
Tim Glendinning Memorial Fund for Young Adult Stroke Grant
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Lynch, Adelaide
Re-imagining recovery after stroke: a Stroke Recovery College for Young Survivors of Stroke.
A/Prof Lynch will co-develop a peer-led Stroke Recovery College to empower young survivors to rebuild skills, confidence, purpose and community participation after stroke.
Nancy & Vic Allen Stroke Prevention Memorial Fund Grant
- Professor Monique Kilkenny and Dr Stella Talic, Melbourne
Development and implementation of a new minimum set of primary care quality indicators to prevent stroke and heart disease in the Australian community.
This nationally focused work aims to strengthen prevention systems and improve long-term cardiovascular and stroke outcomes.
Dr Anna Correll Future Leader in Aphasia Research Grant
- Dr Lisa Anemaat, Brisbane
To gain new skills and experiences from world leaders in consumer involvement, co-design and collaborative priority-setting, and apply this knowledge to aphasia research in Australia.
Her project invests in future leadership – ensuring people with aphasia can influence research priorities and outcomes.
Future Leader Grants
- Dr Matthew Berryman, Adelaide
Improving communication recovery for people with aphasia through research collaboration
- Dr Tharshanah Thayabaranathan, Melbourne
Strengthening community-focused stroke research through leadership and national collaboration